The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is a place that brings together trade history, architecture and art in one spot at the heart of Krakow. On the first floor you’ll find the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, where you can see large paintings and sculptures by the most important Polish artists of the 19th century — from Matejko through Malczewski and Chełmoński to Gierymski. For families it’s a great way to combine a walk around the Main Market Square with a short, inspiring museum visit. Bring a camera and comfortable shoes — the Cloth Hall is located right on the Main Market Square (address: Rynek Główny 3).
It’s good to plan your visit to the Cloth Hall: the exhibition includes several representative rooms (for example the Bacciarelli Room, Michałowski Room, Siemiradzki Room and Chełmoński Room) and can be seen in about 1.5–2 hours if you don’t stop at every picture. That’s an optimal length for families with younger children — longer visits are easier to split into shorter stages.
If you’re watching your budget, remember that the National Museum in Krakow traditionally offers free admission to permanent exhibitions on certain days — check the current schedule before you go. The museum also provides accessibility features, including lifts and adapted toilets.
The Cloth Hall exhibition presents the highlights of Polish art of the 19th century: history paintings, genre scenes, realism and the first hints of impressionism and symbolism. In the rooms and on the walls you’ll encounter works by artists such as Jan Matejko, Jacek Malczewski, Józef Chełmoński, Piotr Michałowski and Aleksander Gierymski. It’s a collection that tells the story of Polish artistic identity of that era.
Many works are large-scale and strongly narrative — it’s worth telling children short, simple stories related to the paintings: who painted it, what the scene is about, what colors and characters you can see. For older children the exhibition can open conversations about painting techniques and changing styles in the 19th century.
The gallery occupies several spacious rooms, so even in high season you can find quieter corners for a short rest. The building also has additional rooms and a viewing terrace that offers a panorama of the Main Market Square.
Address: Rynek Główny 3, Krakow. Typical opening hours for permanent exhibitions are usually Tuesday–Sunday, roughly 10:00–18:00; the museum is often closed on Mondays. Check the museum’s current hours shortly before your visit.
Ticket prices for the permanent exhibition are indicative and may change with the season: standard tickets usually cost a few dozen zloty; reduced and family tickets are often available. Consider buying tickets online (if available) or arriving early in the morning to avoid queues during the busy season.
Getting there and logistics: the Cloth Hall is in the city center, so it’s best to walk if you’re staying nearby, take a tram or bus and walk a short distance, or — if you arrive by car — park outside the Paid Parking Zone and walk to the Market. Remember that the Main Market Square can be crowded, especially at weekends and during city events.
Noworolski Café — the historic café located on the ground floor of the Cloth Hall. It’s a place with a long tradition, elegant interior and the atmosphere of an old Krakow café. A great option if you want to feel the local vibe without moving far from the Market.
Lajkonik (bakery and café) — a few minutes’ walk from the Market, popular with families for its comfortable pastries, breakfasts and in some locations play corners for children. Well regarded for the quality of its bread and friendly prices.
Massolit Books & Café — a café and bookstore ideal for families who like a quieter spot with books. Friendly atmosphere, homemade pastries and the chance to browse books make it a good choice for a longer rest with children old enough to sit and read.
Camelot Cafe — a cozy café close to the center, known for homemade cakes and atmospheric décor. A pleasant place for an afternoon coffee and dessert after a stroll around the Market.
Charlotte Chleb i Wino — a French bakery and bistro popular for breakfasts and brunch; if you’re looking for fresh bread and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s worth a visit.
Cafe Szał (Cloth Hall terrace) — if the terrace at the Cloth Hall is open, the spot with a view of the Main Market Square offers unforgettable panoramas. Perfect for coffee with a view, although it can be busy in season.
Reserve a table for weekends or the high season — popular venues near the Market fill up quickly. It’s simple and saves stress, especially with small children.
Check in advance whether the café has a changing table and high chairs. Not all historic cafés have these amenities, and availability can vary between locations.
If you have a stroller, check the entrance — a few cafés in the center have steps. Some places note accessibility or architectural barriers on their pages or in reviews. The museum has a lift and adapted toilets, but some small Market cafés may be less accessible.
Choose cafés with play space or a children’s corner if you want a moment of calmer coffee. An alternative is bakeries and larger cafés with more room where children can have a bit of space.
Start: Cloth Hall (Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art) — arrive in the morning to avoid the largest crowds. One to two hours is enough if you focus on the key rooms.
After the museum: a quick walk around the Main Market Square, photos by the Adam Mickiewicz monument and a short coffee break at Noworolski or — if you prefer a quieter place with books — Massolit Books & Café.
Finish: if the children still have energy, stroll the Planty or the Vistula Boulevards for a short walk. It’s an easy 20–30 minute walk that helps everyone unwind and ends the day without rush.
Trying to fit too many attractions into one day — result: tiredness and frustration. It’s better to plan fewer things and take them more slowly, especially with children.
Not checking opening hours and entry rules — not every museum branch is open every day, and Mondays are often closed. Always check current hours and free admission days.
Assuming every central café has a changing table or stroller access — unfortunately that’s rare in historic townhouses. Check ahead or choose places that clearly state family-friendly amenities.
Not reserving in popular places — on weekends and in high season spots by the Market fill up quickly. A reservation saves peace of mind and time.
How long does a visit to the Cloth Hall take? Usually 1.5–2 hours for a relaxed walkthrough; you can shorten the visit to about an hour if you move faster.
Are audio guides available? Yes — museums often offer audio guides in several languages; check availability and prices on site.
Are family tickets available? The museum offers different ticket types, including reduced and family options — check current choices at the ticket desk or online.
Are the Cloth Hall and nearby cafés accessible for strollers? The museum has a lift and toilets adapted for people with reduced mobility, but some cafés around the Market have steps. It’s worth checking specific entrances in advance.
The Cloth Hall originally served a trading function in the Middle Ages and for centuries was a hub for cloth and textile trade. It wasn’t until the 19th century that some of the Cloth Hall’s rooms became part of the National Museum.
In the Gallery you’ll find works such as Józef Chełmoński’s “Four” and very large-format paintings that were once displayed as patriotic and artistic statements. Many pieces have interesting backstories that work well as short anecdotes for children.
When the Cloth Hall terrace is open to the public, it offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Main Market Square — an excellent spot for a family photo with the city in the background.
If this guide was helpful — share it with friends or on social media. Short tips make it easier to plan a calm and interesting day in Krakow with your family.
If you’re looking for a more personalized walk of the Cloth Hall and the neighborhood, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and booking information are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Private tours offer convenience, flexible timing and stories tailored to the children’s ages and the group’s interests. Enjoy your visit to the Cloth Hall and a tasty coffee in one of the recommended spots!
